Effie Sytsma

Effie Sytsma, 97 of Neillsville, Wisconsin passed away, returning home to live with our Heavenly Father on Sunday 12/22/2024.

Effie Cuperus was born June 26, 1927, in Lakefield MN, daughter of Dutch immigrants, Jan and Gretjen Cuperus. She was the fourth child of eight and the first of her siblings to be born in the U.S.A. She was raised and received her education in the Lakefield area. Effie was united in marriage to John Sytsma on 12/30/1945 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Rust Township, Lakefield, MN. Effie and John raised their family, owned homes and businesses in: Estherville, IA; Jackson, MN; Harvard, IL; Greenwood, WI; and Neillsville, WI. She worked as a homemaker, nurse's aid, medical assistant and bookkeeper for personally owned businesses. She was always a dedicated church member and consistent volunteer participating as an LWML member and president, and Ladies' Aid member.

Over the course of her lifetime, she was known to many as a wonderful and beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She worked side-by-side with her siblings on her parents' farm. She worked side-by-side with her husband on a dairy route and dairy farm. She was dedicated to service to her family and fellow man - helping others in many ways: as a member of the Clark County Alzheimer's Support Group, Clark County Interfaith Volunteers and Neillsville Senior Center. She provided visitation and companionship through her church and provided transportation for those unable to drive and an ear for those in need of support or consolation. She got great joy by baking nearly everything for nearly everyone, playing cards with friends and family, conquering jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, and a variety of crafts and more.

She was survived by her children: Patricia (John) Dorwaldt of Neillsville, WI; Rodney (Kris) Sytsma of Poulsbo, WA; Norv (Molly O'Hara) Sytsma of Seattle, WA; 6 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and multiple step great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents (Jan and Gretjen), husband (John), daughter, (Donna Mae), grandson (David Adam Dorwaldt), and all seven of her siblings: brothers (Jake, Burrend, Loren and Louis), sisters (Hilda, Edna and Eva).

Effie's personal values of compassion, hard work, and dedicated faith and humor benefited many. Her persistent strength was to be grateful and focus on the positive things in life.

We extend our gratitude to Neillsville Retirement Center and St. Croix Hospice for their care and thoughtfulness.

A visitation at 10am followed by a memorial service at 11am will be held on Friday, January 3 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Neillsville, WI.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.